The Delta Stewardship Council will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m., to consider appeals concerning the California Department of Water Resources’ revised Certification of Consistency with the Delta Plan for items remanded in connection with the Delta Conveyance Project (C20262).
Background
The Delta Conveyance Project is proposed by the California Department of Water Resources and would involve the construction, operation, and maintenance of new State Water Project water-diversion and conveyance facilities in the Delta. Because the project is a covered action under the California Water Code, the Department must prepare and submit to the Delta Stewardship Council a written certification containing detailed findings on the project’s consistency with Delta Plan regulations.
On October 14, 2025, the Department submitted its certification of consistency for the Delta Conveyance Project. Ten appeals were filed by the Delta Protection Commission, Delta counties, local agencies, Delta water agencies, conservation groups, Tribes, and other parties. The Council held a public hearing on February 26, 2026. On April 23, 2026, the Council voted to remand the project for further consideration under two Delta Plan policies and denied the remaining appeals.
On July 25, 2026, DWR submitted the revised certification to the Delta Stewardship Council. In the revised certification, DWR addresses whether the Delta Conveyance Project facilities could improve habitat conditions for the nonnative invasive golden mussel. It also explains how DWR considered and, where feasible, avoided or reduced potential conflicts between the proposed Twin Cities Complex and Sac Sewer’s Harvest Water program. The Department concluded that the covered action is consistent with the applicable Delta Plan policies.
On August 24, 2026, three appeals were submitted on the revised certification.
Next Steps
At the October 15 hearing, Council staff will present information about the covered action, the certification, and the appeals. The certifying agency, the appellants, and the Delta Protection Commission will then have an opportunity to present their positions and address the issues raised in the appeals.
The Council does not approve or reject covered actions. Its role is to provide appellate review and oversight. That review is limited to the administrative record and the issues raised on appeal. Following the hearing at a later date, the Council will issue specific written findings under the substantial-evidence standard.
- Access the certification documents here.
- EXPLAINER: What you need to know about the Delta Conveyance Project Certification of Consistency and the appeals process
- You can also listen to this recorded presentation and view the slide deck to learn more about the Council’s appeal process.
